U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly dismissed allegations that the United States has paused weapon shipments to Ukraine, despite confirmation from the Pentagon that some military aid deliveries had been halted for a capability review. During a press encounter on July 3, Trump insisted that Washington is actively providing weapons to Kyiv, countering the reported pause.
His remarks came as the Pentagon confirmed that shipments had been paused to conduct a review of the U.S.’s own stockpiles, a move criticized by Ukrainian officials. "Why did you pause weapons shipments to Ukraine?" a reporter asked Trump as the president prepared to board Air Force One. "We haven't," Trump replied. "We're giving weapons." Trump then offered a contradictory statement, asserting that the U.S. is "trying to help" Ukraine while also claiming that former U.S. President Joe Biden had depleted the country’s weapons stocks with military aid to Kyiv and that Washington must defend its own interests.
Trump’s response provides little clarity for Ukrainians confronting increasingly deadly Russian missile strikes. "But we haven't… You know, Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves," Trump added after his initial denial. Trump then asked the reporter which media outlet he represented. The journalist responded that he was with the New York Times, to which Trump replied, "Ah, no wonder," suggesting he perceived bias.
Following Trump’s remarks, the White House confirmed the halt in shipments, citing a capability review of its global military support. "This is one event in one situation, and we’ll discuss what else comes up in the future. But be wary of painting too broad a brush there," State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters. The decision has sparked concern in Kyiv, where officials are scrambling for clarity on the scope and implications of the pause amid ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, Trump’s comments followed a July 3 phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he claimed yielded no progress toward a ceasefire. "No, I didn’t make any progress with (Putin) today at all," Trump said. His stance on the Ukrainian conflict, marked by public accusations against Biden and defense of U.S. national interests, continues to draw scrutiny amid reports of paused aid.